This February we will be taking on the Freeze February challenge in order to fundraise for Pieta House. We hope to raise awareness and much needed funds for this suicide prevention and mental health charity. 

The challenge involves sea swimming (doggy-paddling/trying not to drown) for an increasing number of minutes each day for the month of February. Day one we swam for one minute, day two we swam for two etc etc, finally completing the challenge on the 28th of February by spending 28 minutes in the sea (!!)

Mental health and suicide are topics needing no introduction. According to the latest figures from the CSO, Ireland has a higher suicide rate than the vast majority of other EU countries, and the rate has grown significantly over the past decade. Among young males, aged under 25 years, suicide was the number one cause of death in 2019, accounting for 22% of total deaths in that age category. Suicide, accounted for 15% of all female deaths aged under 25 years, and was the third highest cause of death in 2019. There has always been a stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland. Issues can appear in many forms, for any reason or for no reason at all. They are often complex issues, and it is not always as black and white as having a healthy mind vs having a relatively unhealthy one. Charities like Pieta House do tireless work reinforcing this while trying to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

We encourage and are very grateful for any donations, big and small. All are welcome to join us on any of our swims for however long you feel comfortable with, or just to come down to show support. Message any of us on Instagram to get involved! (@oisinbreathnach, @oranlavellehayes, @finn_murray1, @kevmcm_, @cian_claffey) ♥️♥️